Why Zelenskyy’s clothes have become talking point again... this time at Nato Summit

‘Why don’t you wear a suit?’ That was the question Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced at the White House a few months ago.

This time, at the Nato summit in The Hague, the Ukrainian president appeared in a solid black jacket and shirt, similar to a suit.

Notably, Zelenskyy was not part of the main Nato discussions but did have a separate meeting with Trump , where they discussed a list of weapons Ukraine hopes to buy.

Earlier, the attention on Zelenskyy’s choice of clothes at the White House drew sharp criticism from Ukrainians, most of whom have supported him since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

But why were his clothes such a big talking point both before and during the recent Nato summit? And why doesn’t he wear a suit?

Let’s take a look:

Why Zelenskyy’s outfit became the talking point at Nato summit

At the recent Nato summit, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy appeared more formally dressed than he has been since the war with Russia began in early 2022.

He set aside his usual military-style clothing for a blazer with a military feel, dress trousers and a shirt, though he skipped the tie.

This subtle change caused buzz online and was picked up by the Ukrainian edition of ELLE Magazine, which on Wednesday called it “visual diplomacy of a new kind”.

Several photos and videos of the Ukrainian president wearing the suit quickly went viral online, which then led to a discussion about the meaning behind his choice of clothing.

But caused him to change? One reason could be the weight given to this year’s Nato summit.

Many media outlets described it as one of the most meaningful meetings in the alliance’s 76-year history.

Key topics included defence budgets, Russia, and how committed Donald Trump remains to Europe’s security, issues that, according to Euronews, made some delegates cautious about displeasing the unpredictable US president.

This was Zelenskyy’s first time wearing a suit at a Nato summit, though not the first time since the war began.

Earlier in the week, he wore a suit jacket during his meeting in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where they discussed defence ties and plans for joint drone production.

What happened at White House months ago?

Back in February, during a meeting with Donald Trump, the Ukrainian leader was questioned by a reporter about his choice of clothing.

“Why don’t you wear a suit?” asked Brian Glenn from Real America’s Voice. “You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit.”

He didn’t stop there. “Do you own a suit?” Glenn went on, adding, “A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office.”

Zelenskyy responded briefly: “I will wear costume after this war will finish.” The word “costume” translates from kostyum, the Ukrainian term for a suit.

He then made a light jab at the reporter.

“Maybe something like yours, yes. Maybe something better, I don’t know,” he said, drawing laughter from those present. “Maybe something cheaper.”

After the exchange in the Oval Office, Glenn posted online, saying he had “extreme empathy for the people of Ukraine” but claimed Zelenskyy’s lack of formal dress showed “his inner disrespect” towards the US.

Supporters of the Ukrainian leader soon responded by sharing wartime photos of Winston Churchill in casual attire.

Not long after the clash, Zelenskyy was asked to leave the White House, as ties between the two countries hit a rough patch.

However, this week’s meeting between the two leaders appeared far more positive. Zelenskyy also thanked Trump and the US, and spoke of his hopes for “real peace” between Ukraine and Russia.

“I had a long and substantive meeting with President Trump. We covered all the truly important issues,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media.

“I thank Mr President, I thank the United States. We discussed how to achieve a ceasefire and a real peace. We spoke about how to protect our people.”

Why Zelenskyy doesn’t wear a suit

Zelenskyy’s clothing choice is meant to reflect his role as Ukraine’s commander-in-chief and a visible gesture of unity with the country’s armed forces.

Elvira Gasanova, the designer behind the Damirli brand, often seen on Zelenskyy, told Politico, “When world leaders see Zelenskyy in military style, it is a signal — ‘Ukraine is at war and I am part of this fight’.”

She said that his look is a commitment, even when meeting someone like Trump. It shows support for both civilians and soldiers caught in the war.

In times of peace, suits are usually a symbol of diplomacy, routine meetings, and political normalcy. But Ukraine, Gasanova said, is still in crisis.

“The president shows that the war is still going on, that the country is still in a struggle,” she said.

His decision to stick with his wartime outfit during the White House visit received strong backing at home, according to The Kyiv Independent.

Military attire also carries a deeper meaning. As Euronews reported, uniforms are often linked to strength and leadership. Worn by generals, war veterans and statesmen, they can convey a sense of credibility and authority.